Janet L. Schutz

Janet Schutz, age 86 of Elwood, passed away August 21, 2013 at the Elwood Care Center. Janet was born July 20, 1927 to Perry ""P.J."" and Alice (Kolb) Umberger on the family ranch west of Elwood. She attended District #47 rural school, and later graduated from Elwood High School with the class of 1945. Janet taught at a rural school near Turkey Creek for a year, before returning to Elwood to teach at District #47. On May 2, 1948, Janet married Ted Schutz at the Methodist Church in Elwood. The couple lived, farmed and raised livestock southwest of Elwood, in the Salem community, where they raised their family. Their union was blessed with 5 children, Scot, Jane, Steve, Stan and Clay. In 2000, the couple moved to town, where they lived together until Ted's passing in 2008. Most recently, Janet resided at the Elwood Care Center where she received excellent care. Janet loved gardening and fresh flowers. She was a devoted and dutiful wife and mother. She always made sure that her home was in order, food was on the table and the children were cared for physically and spiritually. Janet loved to bake, and visitors didn't often leave the house without one of her delicious cookies. She was a caregiver in so many ways, to her husband, children and those around her. She faithfully supported Ted in all of his endeavors, always making sure that he could do what made him happy. While they always worked hard, Janet and Ted were lucky to have developed many wonderful friendships that they cherished throughout the years. Janet was a faithful and active member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Elwood where she sang in the church choir and had taught both Sunday school and Vacation Bible School. She was also a member of both the Pleasant Hill and Clio clubs. Memorials are suggested to the Elwood Senior Center in Janet's memory. Condolences may be shared at berrymanfuneralhome.com. Janet was preceded in death by her husband of nearly 60 years, Ted; her parents; and sister, Mary Ellen Balke. Survivors include her 4 sons, Scot (Cindy) Schutz, Steve (Nancy) Schutz and Stanley (Rhonda) Schutz, all of Elwood, and Clay (Heidi) Schutz of Grand Island; daughter, Jane (Bob) Hilton of Elwood; 13 grandchildren, Anthony (Cori) Schutz of Lincoln, Tiffany (Bodie) Weeder of Minden, Danielle (Matt) Buckneburg of Overland Park, KS, Grant (Chelsea) Schutz of Elwood and Stephen Schutz of Lincoln, Lisa (Naeson) Halker of Gretna, Lori (Ryan) Shutts of Sidney, Jason Schutz of Elwood, Amy (Rob) Czaplewski of Grand Island, Eric (Jami) Hilton of Eagle, Perry Schutz, Levi Schutz and Maddie Schutz, and 6 step-grandchildren Hannah, Maddie, Allie, Brogan, Hayden and Elise Vahle, all of Grand Island; 14 great grandchildren; brother, Bill (Shirley) Umberger of Omaha; sister-in-law, Elmyra Wolf of Arapahoe; and many other relatives and friends. Services will be held on Saturday, August 24, 2013 at 10:30 a.m. at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Elwood with Pastor Michael Wolff officiating. Burial will be in the East Salem Cemetery southwest of Elwood, Visitation will be on Friday, from 5 p.m. - to 8 p.m. at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Elwood. Berryman Funeral Home in Cozad is in charge of arrangements.